two-factor authentication

noun

two-fac·tor authentication ˈtü-ˈfak-tər-

: a method of verifying the identity of a person (as for granting access to a system) by requiring a password and an additional form of authorization (such as a code, a fingerprint, or a smartphone app)

—abbreviation 2FA compare multi-factor authentication

Examples of two-factor authentication in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Hover over links and then type the URL into Google for the purpose of accessing the website – a safer approach than otherwise. Enable two-factor authentication. —

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. 3) Enable two-factor authentication: Where possible, enable multifactor authentication. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025 In July, Snowflake added a feature so account administrators could make two-factor authentication mandatory for all of their users. —

Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2024 Neglecting basic security like two-factor authentication, reusing passwords or shopping on untrustworthy websites can leave you exposed. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for two-factor authentication

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of two-factor authentication was in 1990

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Two-factor authentication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-factor%20authentication. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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